Cut Down Pencil Cactus.. Small Dead Twigs On Ground Are They Toxic To Puppy

Question

Cannot get all small dead Twigs up. Are they toxic when dead and brittle

Answer 1

It's the sap or latex that is irritating to the mouth and stomach and can cause vomiting. After extensive research, I couldn't find elaboration on whether the irritant exists after the plant is dead and brittle, but I would suspect the danger is greatly reduced. (However, I did read that you can still get poison ivy when the plant is dead.)

I would err on the side of caution and put soil, pebbles, or mulch on the area where the twigs fell and steer the puppy clear of the area.

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pencil-cactus